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Publishing copy-editor/proofreader : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
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Case studies

  • Salaries vary widely according to the nature of the work and the employer. Larger corporate publishers generally pay higher rates than traditional publishers.
  • Typically, hourly rates are from around £22 for copy-editing and £20 for proofreading to £28 plus (The Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), 2011).
  • Rates for the project management of the entire process of editing from first manuscripts through to production are usually much higher than for copy-editing.
  • Some employers pay a flat rate per piece of work.
  • Working hours vary. Copy-editors based in-house generally work normal office hours but may need to work longer hours in busy periods. Deadlines may be very tight due to the nature of the work. Freelancers enjoy greater flexibility, as long as deadlines are met, although night-time work may be required if dealing with overseas clients.
  • Publishers are based in towns and cities throughout the UK, although there are higher numbers in London, the South East and Edinburgh. Geographical proximity to publishers is not always relevant. Freelancers, for example, can receive work from all over the UK and overseas.
  • Getting freelance work can be challenging, particularly at the start of your career. Freelancers who progress from working in-house for publishers to independent work may find the transition easier, having built up useful contacts and gained support from more experienced colleagues.
  • Working from home on a freelance basis in a job where most contact with others is by phone or email can lead to feelings of isolation. Benefits of working from home include a high level of control over your environment and greater flexibility in working hours. Some freelancers work in cooperatives or for agencies to increase their personal support network.
  • Absence from home overnight and overseas work or travel are rare.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
October 2011
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